Growing concern surrounds the persistent rise in COVID-19 infections in certain regions, juxtaposed with the challenge of sustaining declining rates elsewhere. Governments, employers, workers, and their organizations grapple with formidable obstacles in combating the pandemic while safeguarding workplace safety and health.
The upcoming World Day for Safety and Health at Work will concentrate on mitigating the spread of infectious diseases in workplaces, with a specific focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to foster national tripartite discussions on workplace safety and health, emphasizing the adoption of safe practices and the pivotal role of occupational safety and health (OSH) services.
Moreover, the event will spotlight medium to long-term strategies, including recovery and future preparedness, by integrating preventive measures into OSH management systems and policies at both national and enterprise levels.
SafeDay Report Highlights COVID-19’s Impact on Workplace Safety and Health
The SafeDay report, titled “In the face of a pandemic: Ensuring Safety and Health at Work,” underscores the OSH risks associated with COVID-19 transmission. It delves into preventive measures, including addressing psychosocial and ergonomic risks, essential for mitigating the pandemic’s impact on workplace safety and health.
The significance of safe and healthy working conditions, as enshrined in the ILO Centenary Declaration, resonates even more profoundly amidst the pandemic. Safeguarding safety and health at work remains paramount in both managing the pandemic and facilitating a safe return to work.
“While teleworking presents new opportunities for workers to continue their tasks, it’s crucial that they can negotiate these arrangements to maintain balance with other responsibilities, including caring for children, the sick or elderly, and, of course, themselves.”
Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organization
Please note that the previously announced theme for the 2020 World Day, focusing on violence and harassment in the workplace, has been replaced due to the current global crisis. However, technical products and promotional materials on violence and harassment will still be available.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Concern is growing worldwide as infections continue to rise. This follows several infectious disease outbreaks in the past two decades, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), EBOLA, H1N1 influenza, and now COVID-19.
2020 World Day for Safety and Health at Work Shifts Focus to Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Please note that the previously announced theme for the 2020 World Day, focusing on violence and harassment in the workplace, has been replaced due to the current global crisis. However, technical products and promotional materials on violence and harassment will still be available.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Concern is growing worldwide as infections continue to rise. This follows several infectious disease outbreaks in the past two decades, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), EBOLA, H1N1 influenza, and now COVID-19..
Recognizing the significant challenge faced by governments, employers, workers, and societies globally in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work will focus on infectious disease outbreaks in the workplace, with particular attention to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The ILO aims to initiate national tripartite discussions on workplace safety and health during epidemics and pandemics. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness of the role of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) services and the adoption of safe practices in workplaces, especially in response to changing work arrangements. This initiative also addresses long-term strategies, including recovery and preparedness, emphasizing the integration of these measures into OSH management systems and policies at both national and enterprise levels.